| The Benedictus, or Canticle of Zechariah, is taken from Scripture (Luke 1: 68-79) and is the prayer recited by Zechariah at the birth of John the Baptist. It has been an important part of the Church's Liturgy from the earliest times. Today it is part of the hour of Lauds in the Divine Office. |
| Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, *quia visitavit, et fecit redemptionem plebis suae: |
Blessed be the Lord, God of Israel, *because He has visited us and wrought redemption for His people. |
| Et erexit cornu salutis nobis *in domo David pueri sui. |
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us *in the House of David, His servant. |
| Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, *qui a saeculo sunt, prophetarum eius: |
As He hath promised through the mouths of His holy ones, *the prophets of old: |
| Salutem ex inimicis nostris, *et de manu omnium qui oderunt nos: |
Salvation from our enemies, *and from the hand of all who hate us. |
| Ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris: *et memorari testamenti sui sancti: |
To show mercy to our forefathers *and to be mindful of His holy covenant: |
| Iusiurandum, quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum, *daturum se nobis; |
The oath, which He swore to Abraham, our father, *that He would grant us, |
| Ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum nostrorum liberati, *serviamus illi. |
That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, *we may serve Him without fear. |
| In sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso, *omnibus diebus nostris. |
In holiness and justice before Him *all our days. |
| Et tu puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis: *praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius: |
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High; *for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, |
| Ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius: *in remissionem peccatorum eorum: |
To give knowledge of salvation to His people *through forgiveness of their sins. |
| Per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri: *in quibus visitabit nos, oriens ex alto: |
Because of the compassionate kindness of our God, *the dawn from on high shall break upon us |
| Illuminare his qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent: *ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis. |
To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, *to guide our feet in the way of peace. |
